Does Your Child Show Signs of ADHD? 21 Ways to Help You Tell

Identifying ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in children involves observing various signs and symptoms that may indicate the disorder’s presence. ADHD can affect children’s success at school, their relationships, and their behaviour at home. It’s important to note that many children may exhibit some of these behaviours at various points in their development, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD.

A diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional. Here are 21 signs that might suggest a child could have ADHD:

#1. Difficulty Paying Attention

Struggling to focus on tasks or play activities.

#2. Frequent Daydreaming

Often seems to be in their own world.

#3. Forgetfulness in Daily Activities

Forgets to do chores or homework regularly.

#4. Easily Distracted

Loses focus due to external stimuli, like noises or movements.

#5. Difficulty Following Through

Starts tasks but quickly loses interest, leaving them unfinished.

#6. Fidgeting and Squirming

Unable to sit still, especially in quiet or calm settings.

#7. Excessive Talking

Talks a great deal, often interrupting or intruding on conversations.

#8. Impulsivity

Acts without thinking, possibly leading to accidents or tactless comments.

#9. Difficulty Waiting Their Turn

Struggles with taking turns in games or groups.

#10. Interrupting Others

Frequently interrupts or intrudes on others’ activities.

#11. Emotional Turbulence

Experiences sudden and intense emotional reactions.

#12. Difficulty Playing Quietly

Always needs to be engaged in high-energy activities.

#13. Constant Movement

Runs or climbs in situations where it’s inappropriate.

#14. Trouble with Organization

Struggles to keep track of tasks and possessions.

#15. Avoidance of Tasks Needing Extended Mental Effort

Avoids or dislikes tasks like homework that require sustained mental effort.

#16. Errors of Negligence in Schoolwork

Makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.

#17. Losing Things Often

Frequently loses necessary items like school materials or toys.

#18. Difficulty Listening

Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly.

#19. Failure to Follow Instructions

Fails to follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores.

#20. Social Challenges

Has trouble making friends or fitting in with peers.

#21. Risk-Taking Behavior

Engages in behaviours that can cause harm to themselves or others without understanding the consequences.

What Next? 

If you notice a combination of these signs persistently exhibited by your child, it might be helpful to consult with a paediatrician or a child psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Early diagnosis and intervention can provide strategies to help manage symptoms and improve function.

For a comprehensive understanding and management strategies, consulting with healthcare providers who specialize in ADHD is crucial. They can offer guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs.

25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore

Remember the days when you could freely discuss just about anything without fear of sparking controversy? Well, those days are long gone. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, there are topics so fraught with tension that even mentioning them can lead to heated debates and hurt feelings. 25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore

Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History

Ever had a car that spent more time with the mechanic than on the road? A car that turned every journey into a game of “Will we actually get there?” If so, you might just see a familiar face (or should we say, chassis) in our countdown to the most unreliable British car in history. Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History

“Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain will become “unrecognizable,” criticizing the amount of work visas the Home Office has approved, despite only being removed from her role in November. “Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued

20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today

Step into the time machine and set the dial to the 1970s, a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some rather questionable choices. While the ’70s gave us iconic music and groundbreaking TV, not everything from this groovy era would get a green light today. 20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today

20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK

Navigating the UK university landscape is like deciphering a complex code of rankings, reviews, and reputations to uncover where you’ll not just learn, but truly flourish. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford or the creative buzz of Goldsmiths, finding your perfect fit is about aligning your aspirations with the unique offerings of each institution. 20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK

The post Does Your Child Show Signs of ADHD? 21 Ways to Help You Tell first appeared on Edge Media.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marianna Karabut.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.